Mayor's Speech
Speech at the media launch of the new name for Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality by Executive Mayor Cllr. Boitumelo Moloi on 30 June 2008.
Programme Director
Executive Mayor / Mayors present
Honourable Councillors
Municipal Manager, Adv. Dlavane
Representatives from the media fraternity
Representatives from the business sector
Representatives from government departments
Distinguished guests
Dear ladies and gentlemen
Let me start by extending a hearty welcome to all of you for honouring the invitation to be part of this media launch. We are very pleased to have you here this morning.
After many months of an extensive public participation process which we began in March 2007 following a council decision in August 2006 to set up a section 80 committee to drive the process. A comprehensive report was presented to council on 01 October 2007 detailing all the work undertaken in the form of public hearings, meetings with school learners and a concerted media campaign to reach out to all sectors and stakeholders in the community. We even ran a competition in the media which attracted a lot of interest from the public. Three names received the most support among participants, with the name Dr. Kenneth Kaunda proving the most popular. The other two names were Tshwaraganang and Kopanang.
Following a month long period of objections from 7 August until 7 September 2007, council finally decided in a majority vote to adopt the name Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.
Our Provincial MEC for Developmental Local Government and Housing Mr Howard Yawa duly amended the original notice establishing the Southern District Municipality to officially become Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in a Provincial Gazette No 6483 dated 25 April 2008, having satisfied himself that we had complied with all the legal requirements and the guidelines set by the Geographic Names Council.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen
Today we stand firm on the threshold of an exciting new era as a municipality. Following a detailed and protracted process, we are now launching our newly – adopted name- Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.
As a democratic institution guided by the provisions of Section 19 of the Municipal Systems Act (No 117 of 1998), we are pleased that the massive response of our community during the various activities on the name – change process has cemented public confidence in our municipality. Their very participation has proven beyond reasonable doubt that indeed the masses are their own liberators. They have taken their destiny in their own hands.
Our new name represents a new identity for our district and final break from our previous no-name geographic description to a proper name – Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.
For those who have always ridiculed us for not having a name but direction – the show is over.
Today we are proud to bear a new name that carries significant historical meaning. A new name that certainly connects us with our proud history and a shared heritage with the people of the African continent.
At a time when our country is still shocked and bewildered by the violent spate of xenophobic-related attacks against foreign nationals, what better opportunity could we ask to launch a name whose mere mentioning brings forth the notion of African Solidarity as that of Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
A great son of the soil, Comrade Kaunda contributed a lot to the liberation of his and many other African States from the Yoke of colonialism and apartheid aggression. As President of Zambia from 1962 until 1991, he provided invaluable support to banned and exiled liberation organizations like the African National Congress. He and his people provided shelter to many foreign freedom fighters, at great risk to his own people.
Alongside African giants such as Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Samora Machel and others – he was held in the highest esteem by freedom – loving people the world over.
Even after official retirement from active politics, he remains an inspiring figure and a father-head together with Nelson Mandela, Sir Ketumile Masire, Artsbishop Demond Tutu and other statesmen as part of an esteemed group called The Elders.
Dr Kenneth Kaunda is indeed a man of high moral standing and impeccable credentials. Our district is befitting the honour of carrying his name as its lode star.
In terms of branding, this new name will bring us great dividends. We believe Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality will grow into a competitive brand capable of standing the test.
It will be comparatively easier to promote and market our District to both domestic and foreign investors as a business and investment destination of choice.
As such, our business community as well has a good reason to take pride in the new name.
Form this day onwards, our District shall surely occupy its rightful position among the respectable institutions of our young democracy as a reminder of the freedom that political legends such as Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Patrice Lumumba, Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela fought for.
I am proud to present to you this new name – Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality which has been bequeathed on us by the popular logic of our people themselves. For we are a government that listens to the voice of the people.
There can be no doubt that this name shall endure the ages and that future generations will discover a reason to bear this great name with the same passion and pride as we do.
Lastly, we would like to make a humble appeal to you our trusted media to help us popularize this name and engrain it firmly in the hearts and minds of the community and the outside world.
Please be assured of a meaningful partner and friend in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.
I thank you.